Hiking holidays in Ireland

As the name ‘The Emerald Isle’ already suggests, there is frequent rainfall in Ireland, especially in the winter months. The climate in Ireland is generally temperate and shaped by the influences of the warm Gulf Stream and its position in the Atlantic. In principle, temperatures are pleasant and constant all year round, but you always have to be ready for rain. The mild and humid climate ensures wonderfully green natural landscapes with great photo opportunities. The warmest months are July and August with an average temperature of 20 degrees. But even in winter the temperatures sit around 9 degrees, and the mild climate ensures there is mostly no snowfall. The months of April or May to September or October are ideal for spending time in the great outdoors – perfect for a successful hiking holiday in the fresh air. Our tip: We recommend that you pack suitable equipment and rain gear so that you can enjoy Ireland’s natural beauties to the full.

Down-to-earth, hearty, regional – Irish cuisine is based on these characteristics. Formerly known as cuisine for poor people, the cuisine in Ireland has now grown with a few delicacies and specialities. Typical Irish dishes include Irish stew, a stew with meat, potatoes, carrots and onions, Shepherd’s pie, minced lamb meat with mashed potatoes on top or Seafood chowder, a stew of fish and seafood. For the Irish, breakfast is the most important meal of the day and is enjoyed with bacon, eggs, sausages, baked beans and black pudding – very hearty. Teatime with black tea and delicious scones is also typically Irish. Afterall, Ireland is considered to be the country with the highest tea consumption in the world. Another delicacy is Irish smoked salmon, which is excellent, especially along the coast. Typical drinks include not only Guinness beer, but also Irish coffee, a coffee with whiskey, sugar and whipped cream. You should also try an Irish whiskey on your hiking holiday.

Traditional symbols, local music or dances, as well as myths and stories are abundant in Ireland. For example, the shamrock is one of the typical symbols of the country. Saint Patrick used it to explain the Holy Trinity consisting of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost to the converted Celts. That brings us to a very famous holiday in Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th. This special day celebrated the Irish Bishop Patrick, the first Christian missionary in Ireland. Two other essential components of Irish tradition are music and Irish dancing, which can be wonderfully combined. People dance wearing special shoes and the form of dance is similar to the tap dance. Irish folk music is played by traditional instruments such as the bagpipes, a violin or ‘fiddle’ or an accordion and can be experienced in numerous pubs in Ireland. Another important element in Irish history are the sagas and folk stories that the Irish love to tell and were a popular way of telling stories in the past. Numerous international writers and authors have Irish roots such as Oscar Wilde, Cecilia Ahern and Marian Keyes.